Flowserve Corporation has released the Flowserve Gestra BK37-5 thermostatic bimetallic steam trap, which offers end users significantly lower total cost of ownership and energy-saving benefits when compared to thermodynamic (TD) and inverted bucket steam trap technologies.

End users can achieve significant annual energy savings per unit with the BK37-5, which does not consume live steam during operation and can save up to 0.9 kg (2 lb) per hour of steam consumption when compared with TD and inverted bucket steam traps.

The BK37-5 is designed specifically for all pressures from 0.7 to 45 bar (10 to 650 psi) and is suitable for both saturated and superheated steam. Its normally open function allows for automatic air-venting and high-ratio startup, and the trap's operation is unaffected by pipeline orientation, allowing it to be installed in any position.

The BK37-5 also features the field-proven BK46 regulator, which is not affected by water hammer or ambient conditions and has demonstrated reliability, durability and energy efficiency in harsh environments.

Siemens introduces the SITRANS LH100 submersible level transducer for use in hydrostatic level applications. The pressure transmitter measures the liquid levels in tanks, containers, channels and dams, mostly used within drinking and wastewater applications.

The SITRANS LH100 offers 0.3% accuracy and is available for various measuring ranges and comes with an intrinsic safety option. A junction box and cable hanger are available as accessories for simple installation.

Slim and robust, 0.92” diameter, a ceramic sensor makes mounting possible in pipes with one-inch inside diameter, and immune to harsh environmental conditions. A humidity filter integrated into the connecting cable offers easy and safe installation. The housing is made of stainless steel 316L.

Solon Manufacturing Company’s custom differential vacuum switch is playing an integral part in the demonstration of nuclear fusion. Recently, scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have replicated the process of how the sun creates energy. This possibility of man-controlled nuclear fusion could change the future of how we power the world.

In 2007, Solon began working with engineers at Lawrence Livermore National Ignition Facility (or NIF), to define, design, prototype and validate the vacuum switches used to confirm that the proper atmosphere was in place inside the test chamber. “The NIF requirements were very particular and they needed a partner that was willing to work through all of the details of their project. The material specifications were revised several times during the project to ensure that the switch sensing elements could not influence their process,” said Solon’s President, Tim Dunn.

The Solon switches, 100 in all, were mounted onto panels that are located on the exterior of the fusion test chamber. “Solon developed internal test equipment and procedures specific to this project to ensure that all of the devices performed well when they were received at Lawrence Livermore,” explains Dunn. A recent follow up with NIF confirms the switches are still operating at optimal performance, protecting the atmosphere of the test chamber.

“Many people at Solon had a direct impact on our project with LLNL and NIF. Very often our products are buried inside large facilities and don’t see the light of day, but their function is crucial to many industrial processes and R&D projects,” said Dunn.

Emerson Process Management has released the new Fisher Type N863 Snappy Joe Emergency Shutoff Railcar Valve with up to twice the flow rate of the previous N562, offering a significant reduction in propane railcar loading/unloading time.

The Fisher railcar valve was originally developed more than 30 years ago and is the first and only Emergency Shutoff Valve (ESV) specifically designed for railcars in the propane industry. It can be used with most compressed gases such as propane, anhydrous ammonia, natural gas liquids, aerosols, etc.

The new N863 design greatly increases flow capacity, up to 413 GPM versus 200 GPM for the N562, depending on system piping and flow capabilities. The N863 valve seals are available in Nitrile, Neoprene, Kalrez™ (FFKM), Teflon™ (PTFE), Viton™ (FKM) and EPDM to provide broad application versatility. UL Listing for the N863 is expected in 2014.

Emerson Process Management has introduced a new lightweight, corrosion-resistant version of its Fisher® 98 Series Backpressure Regulators/Relief Valves. With a body made from high strength titanium, product weight is significantly reduced and maintenance requirements are minimized – helping to increase overall platform safety. The new regulators/valves are designed to meet the need for reliable, high quality devices that are resistant to the highly corrosive conditions and aggressive chemicals typically used in offshore applications. Emerson’s Fisher 98 Series regulators/valves are used for backpressure or relief applications in liquid, gas, air, and steam service.